St John Heart Starters: Andrew Wishart, Jerem Anderberg and Nathan Hayne. Photo: supplied
Camera IconSt John Heart Starters: Andrew Wishart, Jerem Anderberg and Nathan Hayne. Photo: supplied Credit: Supplied/Supplied

St John Heart Starters running for a good cause

Isabella ClarkeWestern Suburbs Weekly

Twelve paramedics from St John WA will be participating in the City to Surf this Sunday August 25 to raise awareness about their Community First Responder Program.

The team, nicknamed the Heart Starters, will be running in their green uniforms and carrying a defibrillator each.

St John’s WA hopes participation will raise awareness of the importance of first aid training and the need for early defibrillation to save the lives of cardiac arrest victims.

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Paramedic Andrew Wishart said the Community First Responder Program had resulted in roughly 4000 defibrillators installed at community locations such as schools and businesses.

Andrew Wishart, Jeremy Anderberg and Nathan Haynes lace up their runners. Photo: supplied
Camera IconAndrew Wishart, Jeremy Anderberg and Nathan Haynes lace up their runners. Photo: supplied Credit: Supplied/Supplied

He said the single biggest factor in improving survival rates for cardiac arrest was early CPR and defibrillation, and St John’s were continuing to push for more defibrillator access.

“A cardiac arrest can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or health status,” he said.

“At St John, one of our missions is to make defibrillators as commonly thought of as things like smoke alarms or fire extinguishers.

“A great way to spread that message is at the City to Surf which is a fantastic community event and draws so many people.

“The Heart Starters will be decked out in the paramedic greens and special t-shirts, so we won’t be hard to spot.

For more information on how to become a CFR location call (08) 9334 1428 or email first.responder@stjohnambulance.com.au.